Baby Shower Planning Guide

Few celebrations are happier than a baby shower. The parents-to-be are both excited and a little nervous about the future, grandparents who know what's coming can't wait for the big day, and guests are simply happy to share in the joy.

If you've accepted the task of planning a baby shower, here are the steps you need to follow to make it memorable for the mom-to-be and fun for all of the guests.

Start With a Theme

Once you have an idea for the baby shower theme, it will be easy to plan your invitations, decorations, party favors, and even the games.

Tips for Unique Situations

All new babies deserve to be welcomed. Here's how to handle those special situations that may raise a few party planner questions.

• Welcoming an Adopted Child - An adopted baby brings with it a different set of circumstances and the type of celebration and timing of it may have to be adjusted from the traditional baby shower format. Here are the factors you'll need to consider.
• Showering a Second Time Mom - Why should only first babies receive a shower? A second or later child is as eagerly anticipated as the first. Celebrate those later birth order children with these party and gift ideas for the parents who already have the basic necessities from their first arrival.
• Organizing a Baby Shower at the Office - A shower at the office can go a long way toward building team spirit, but the etiquette involved in this situation is a little bit different.

Set the Tone With Invitations

So you've gone ahead and selected the theme, time and the place for your shower. The next step is to find the perfect baby shower invitation to set the tone for your party.

Add Festive Centerpieces

Centerpieces help to set the festive tone for any party. At a baby shower, they help to focus attention on the prospective guest of honor.

• Tip: Create a Diaper Cake combination centerpiece and gift for the mom-to-be.

Get Creative With the Cake

Part decoration, part dessert, we don't care what kind of party you're hosting, make sure there's a cake that's as yummy to look at as it is to eat!

Become Inspired With These Baby Shower Cakes

You'll want to take a look at some of these beautiful cakes submitted by readers.

Break the Ice With Games

We know they may seem hokey at first, but baby shower games—even simple games like bingo—help to break the ice as well as encourage guests who may be from different generations to feel comfortable sharing their childbirth and parenting experiences.

Save the Memories

Create a guest book that all the guests can sign with their advice and wishes. Be sure to assign someone to take photos and videos to capture the memories for the mom-to-be to enjoy once her baby has arrived.

Make Memorable Favors

Easy Baby Shower Favor Ideas that You Can Make - Send your guests home with a little reminder of the good wishes shared at the baby shower.